The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

By Bettina McBee | Photos by Adam Swords

This year, on Friday, August 13, Peninsula Signature Events and Quail Lodge & Golf Club will contribute to motorsports history. Thousands of fans, excited for the return of Monterey Car Week after the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the popular gathering in 2020, will make the Monterey Peninsula their destination.

Now in its eighteenth year, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is a living motorsports museum where history is reflected in the vehicles on display. These art pieces encourage conversation and spark new friendships. Each year is unique, showcasing a past era while debuting the future of automotive engineering.

People strive to move farther faster. The gathering speaks to this desire by exemplifying human intelligence, creativity, collaboration, design, and style. Sir Michael Kadoorie, leader of The Peninsula Hotels Signature Events, is the originator and driving force behind the gathering. His love for vintage and rare vehicles fuels the event, whose mission is to find people from all over the world who have a deep interest in the eclectic history of motorsports. “This was the catalyst for the event, and it continues today,” explains Courtney Ferrante, director of the event.

Gordon McCall, director of motorsports for Quail Lodge, shares his wealth of knowledge and lifelong enthusiasm for motorsports via the Gathering and is also cofounder of the star-studded event. “[It] is reinvented every year,” he says. This year celebrates the belated 50th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Montreal and the Citroën SM2, two unique automobiles that are finally receiving their due accolades. It is just one example of how Ferrante and the dedicated staff at Quail and The Peninsula Signature Events make each year unique.

Monterey Car Week kicks off with another of McCall’s experiences, McCall’s Motorworks Revival. An avid collector and a native of the Peninsula, McCall takes pride in supporting his community. The financial impact of Monterey Car Week is substantial. Numerous local businesses and charities throughout the county depend on the annual funds. “Another year without Car Week would be devastating,” he emphasizes. Locals and visitors are looking forward to the reopening.

Displays and exhibits will be arranged to provide more space for everyone to move about freely while indulging on five-star cuisine on one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

For tickets and more information, visit peninsula.com/en/signature-events/ticketing.